Of Devils and Fallen Angels

Many Christians believe that the “devils” and “fallen angels” are the same beings. They all follow Satan and seem to have a desire to harass humans in a number of ways. However, is there any evidence that suggest that these creatures are the same? I have not found any. So, I thought it might be fun to explore this topic a little more.

What do we know about angels?

The Bible tells us that angels have many
roles, including messengers (Luke 1:11-13, Matthew 1:20-21), soldiers (2 Kings 6:17,
19:35), and worshiping God (Revelation 7:11). However, about one-third of the
angels “kept not their first estate” (Jude 1:6) and were cast to the earth with
Satan (Rev. 12:9).

We know that angels are “greater in power
and might” than human beings (2 Peter 2:11). We know that fallen angels “sinned”
and brought about the judgment of the entire earth by the flood save for Noah
and his family (2 Peter 2:4). How did they sin? By corrupting humanity through
sexual congress and producing offspring that tainted the human race detailed in
Genesis
6.

Angels are often sent by God for a variety of missions, and the fallen angels are capable of sinning. Angels, both Godly and fallen, are capable of looking and acting like humans (Genesis 6:1-4, 18:1-8; Hebrews 13:2). I cannot explain how angels come about the ability to obtain flesh, but how else could we “entertain angels unaware”? (Heb 13:2).

What do we know about devils?

According to Scripture, people offered
sacrifices to them as if they were gods (Leviticus 17:7, Deuteronomy 32:17,
Psalms 106:37, 1 Corinthians 10:20). In the New Testament, devils are able to
possess humans (Matt. 4:24, Matt. 8:26, Mark 1:22), sometimes in very large
numbers (Mark 16:9, Luke 8:30). They seem to be attracted to dead things (Luke
8:27) and water (Luke 8:33). Devils also have incredible power (Luke 8:29) and
can perform miracles (Rev. 16:14). Furthermore, Judas Iscariot aka. The “son of
perdition” (John 17:12) whom I believe to be the Antichrist (also called “son
of perdition” in 2 Thessalonians 2:3) was called “a devil” in John 6:70.

Devils are also called “unclean
spirits” (Luke 9:42, Matt. 10:1, Acts 8:7) and seem to be related to “familiar
spirits” that are connected to “wizards” in the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:31,
2 Kings 21:6, Isaiah 8:19). These beings have supernatural abilities to perform
miracles/”magic” and dozens, if not hundreds, can pack themselves into one
human body.

They also seem to do the bidding of THE Devil – Satan.

Are they the same?

I do not believe so, because their
characteristics are vastly different. Sure, they are both more powerful than the
average human being, but where angels can look like humans, devils seem to be able
to possess people. Fallen angels seem to be able to produce offspring (Genesis 6),
while there is no reference to devils doing the same.

If anything, one could make the
argument that devils might be the offspring of fallen angels. If Judas Iscariot
is the Antichrist, then “a devil” would be the “seed of Satan” mentioned in
Genesis 3:15. It would also make sense why these beings were worshiped as gods
and used as “familiar spirits” to give power to wizards. The sorcerers and
magicians of Pharaoh were able to duplicate the power of God, though on a much
lesser scale, in Exodus 7:10-12. These “magicians” had actual power to perform
miracles, much like the devils in Rev. 16:14. They could have very well either
been devils or been given power by devils.

Regardless, it seems as though fallen
angels and devils have different sets of abilities, though both work in unison
to disrupt God’s desire for all humanity to love and worship him.

Citing Strong’s Concordance, the original
languages provide further clarification. “Devils” in Hebrew” translate as “saiyer”
(a goat-like creature we probably know as a satyr) and “shed” (demon – the word
used in conjunction with devil worship). The Greek uses daimonion (demons who
are “cast out” or “worshiped”) and daimon (demons who possess).

Contrast that with “angels” in the Hebrew mal’ak (angels) and ‘elohyim (like gods). The Greek is aggelos (angels). In Genesis 6, the phrase “sons of God” transliterates to ben’elohyim in Hebrew.

Notice the vast difference is phrasing for these beings in the original languages. It seems pretty clear that devils and angels are not the same beings according to the Hebrew and Greek, as well as English. The fact that devils seem to be related to beast-like creatures like the satyr also puts a wrench in the idea that these beings are the same, and even seems to indicate some sort of inbreeding of devils and animals!

I allow that fallen angels and
devils MIGHT BE the same beings. I remain unconvinced based on their traits
described in the Bible. I am unconvinced based on the descriptions of their
abilities in the Book. I am unconvinced based on the differences in the
original languages.

I do not believe that they are the same, and I hope you at least begin to question an idea taught in many good churches by good pastors. It is a matter worth investigating, but I would warn the reader not to obsess over the subject. Demonology can allow even the staunchest believer to open themselves up to demonic attack if they forget that Jesus Christ is our savior and should be the primary focus of our spiritual investigation.

Remember that whatever these beings are, they fear Christ. They know they are destined to spend eternity in the Lake of Fire, though they still try to resist. Like the unsaved, they are full of rebellion and rejection of the Savior. In the end, they lose. Fallen angels, devils, Satan, Antichrist – all will bow the knee to the God of all creation.